Colo IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Colo, Iowa.
1. Hickory Grove Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Hickory Grove Park is a local favorite featuring a newly renovated lake with excellent walleye fishing. The park offers a scenic 3-mile limestone trail around the lake, a sandy beach, and seasonal kayak and paddleboard rentals. Visitors can also enjoy boat access ramps, fishing amenities, picnic shelters, an archery range, and camping facilities.
2. Reed/Niland Corner
HISTORIC HIGHWAY JUNCTION
Reed/Niland Corner represents the historic intersection of the Lincoln and Jefferson Highways, known as the 'Crossroads of the Nation.' This preserved site showcases Iowa's transportation heritage and the early days of automobile travel. Visitors can experience a piece of Americana where two of the country's most important early highways intersected.
3. Niland's Cafe
NOSTALGIC ROADSIDE DINING
Niland's Cafe is a restored vintage diner located at the historic Reed/Niland Corner. The cafe offers visitors a taste of classic American roadside dining in an authentic setting. It serves as both a working restaurant and a living museum of Iowa's highway history.
4. The Talent Factory
COMMUNITY ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Talent Factory is a highly-rated entertainment venue in Colo with a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors. This local establishment hosts various performances and community events throughout the year. The venue provides quality entertainment options for both residents and visitors to the small town.
5. Watson's Grocery Store Museum
PRESERVED RURAL COMMERCE
Watson's Grocery Store Museum preserves the history of small-town commerce in rural Iowa. The museum showcases authentic displays of merchandise, equipment, and daily life from early 20th century grocery operations. Visitors can step back in time to experience shopping before the era of supermarkets and chain stores.
6. Colo Public Library
COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE HUB
The Colo Public Library serves as the information center for this small Iowa community. The library offers a large selection of books, magazines, newspapers, and electronic resources for local residents. It functions as an important community gathering place and educational resource in Colo.
7. Twin Anchors Golf Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Twin Anchors Golf Club offers golfers a pleasant course in the rolling countryside near Colo. The club provides recreational opportunities for players of various skill levels in a picturesque rural setting. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a relaxing day on the links while taking in the natural beauty of central Iowa.
8. Breezy Bay Campground
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR GETAWAY
Breezy Bay Campground at Hickory Grove Park provides a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. The campground offers both reservable and first-come, first-served sites for visitors wanting to extend their stay in nature. Campers have easy access to the park's many amenities including the lake, trails, and recreational facilities.
9. Museum Maxwell
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Museum Maxwell preserves and displays the history and heritage of the Maxwell area near Colo. The highly-rated museum features exhibits on local pioneers, agriculture, and community development. Visitors can learn about rural Iowa life through artifacts, photographs, and stories of the region.
10. The Harvester Golf Club
PREMIUM GOLFING EXPERIENCE
The Harvester Golf Club is a highly-rated golfing destination near Colo with an impressive 4.7 rating. The club features a meticulously maintained course designed to challenge and delight golfers of various skill levels. Visitors can enjoy premium amenities and beautiful landscapes while playing a round at this distinguished golf facility.
11. Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway
HISTORIC TRAVEL ROUTE
The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway passes through Colo, representing America's first transcontinental highway. This historic route connected the east and west coasts, revolutionizing travel and commerce in the early 20th century. Travelers can follow the byway to experience the evolution of American road culture and transportation history.
12. Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway
NORTH-SOUTH HISTORIC ROUTE
The Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway intersects with the Lincoln Highway at Colo's historic Reed/Niland Corner. This historic north-south route once connected New Orleans to Winnipeg, Canada, creating a vital transportation corridor. The byway provides travelers with a journey through America's early automobile era and the development of interstate travel.
13. Reiman Gardens
BOTANICAL BEAUTY DISPLAY
Reiman Gardens, located in nearby Ames, is one of the largest public gardens in Iowa spanning 17 acres. The gardens feature beautiful seasonal displays, a tropical plant conservatory, and the stunning Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing housing hundreds of exotic butterflies. Visitors can enjoy educational programs, art installations, and special events throughout the year.
14. Jack Trice Stadium
CYCLONE FOOTBALL HOME
Jack Trice Stadium is the home field of the Iowa State Cyclones football team, located in nearby Ames. Named after Iowa State's first African-American athlete, the stadium seats over 61,000 fans and creates an electric atmosphere on game days. Visitors can tour the facility or experience the excitement of Big 12 Conference college football during the fall season.
15. Iowa State University Campus
ACADEMIC AND CULTURAL HUB
Iowa State University's campus in nearby Ames offers beautiful architecture, museums, and cultural attractions just a short drive from Colo. Visitors can explore the Brunnier Art Museum, Farm House Museum, and Christian Petersen Art Museum on the picturesque grounds. The campus also hosts numerous sporting events, performances, and lectures open to the public throughout the year.